Severe wildfires result not only in dramatic changes in vegetation cover,
but also induce significant changes in hydro-geomorphology. These changes
may include decreased infiltration, increased overland flow, increased soil
erosion, and debris-flow initiation during post-fire storm-events. A number
of geomorphic variables (e.g., fire severity) have been identified that can
lead to increased erosion activity; however, present methods of characterizing
these variables within burnt basins may be both time-consuming and labor-intensive.
Satellite remote sensing holds great potential for rapid assessment of these
variables. This research proposes to use data from the Moderate resolution
Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MODIS) and the Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission
and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) to map and characterize burn-induced erosion
variables at multiple spatial scales.